System and method of communicating with and controlling a test device

ABSTRACT

System and method for communicating with and controlling a test device. Receiving user input via a system GUI to start a test. In response to the user input, providing by the communication controller a display URL of a resource associated with the test device. Displaying content of the resource nested within the system GUI by a browser. Sending a start instruction to start a test to the test device. Receiving by the communication controller test data from the test device and one of displaying an indication of the test data in the system GUI and storing the test data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under of U.S. provisional patentapplication 62/296,334 filed Feb. 17, 2016; the specification of whichis hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to communicating with devices,and in particular, to a system and method for controlling a test device.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

Due to heavy competition in the telecommunication industry, serviceproviders continuously seek ways to reduce both operational and capitalexpenditures (OPEX and CAPEX). Simplifying network operation,administration and maintenance (OAM), installing cost-effectiveequipment and maximizing the lifetime of legacy equipment are examplesof how CAPEX and OPEX budgets can be reduced. Service providers not onlysearch for ways to minimize costs of network equipment, but also testequipment required for turn-up, monitoring, and troubleshooting theirnetwork.

Shown in FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a prior art system for testingequipment of a communication network. Test system 100 supports a varietyof test devices communicatively coupled to, and controlled by, a commoninterface unit 102. Each test device has function-specific hardware andsoftware that often requires configuration data prior to test execution.During operation, a test device executes a test sequence to produce testdata and transmits the test data to common interface unit 102. Aprocessor on common interface 102 processes the test data transmittedthereto. A graphical user interface (GUI) for each test is executed oncommon interface unit 102 and displayed on a display thereof.

The user enters the required configuration data into the GUI of testdevice 118 and initiates the test therefrom. Initiation of the test bythe user triggers the common interface unit 102 to transmit instructionsto test device 118 which include configuration data and a command toexecute the test. Test device 118 executes a test sequence and transmitstest data to common interface unit 102. An indication of the completionof the test is provided to the user via the GUI of test device 118.

In use, a user launches a GUI for each test device in a test system aseach test device GUI is generated by a unique software application.Should the user use multiple test devices simultaneously the user musttoggle between application windows to gain access to each test deviceGUI. If a user needs to use test devices of multiple test systems, theuser must also use multiple displays—one for each test system. Not onlyis this inconvenient for the user, having an integrated display in everysystem adds cost thereto.

Often the user must manually enter a significant amount of complexconfiguration information into a test device GUI prior to executing atest. In preparation for using a test system the user may manuallyprepares a test plan comprising a list communication network equipmentfor test, a list of test devices needed to perform the tests, and anyconfiguration information required by the test devices. Doing so istedious and prone to human error. Incorrect configuration informationcan produce inaccurate or incorrect results. Configuration informationmay need to be re-entered, a test may need to be re-performed, or aproblem is undetected.

Overcoming some of the disadvantages of the prior art described abovewould be advantageous.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided amethod comprising displaying a first graphical user interface (GUI) on adisplay and receiving by a communication controller a first user inputvia the first GUI, the first user input indicating a first startcommand. In response to receiving the first user input, providing afirst display URL of a first resource associated with a first testdevice to a browser by the communication controller, sending a firststart instruction to the first test device to start a first test,displaying first content of the first resource by the browser, the firstcontent nested within the first GUI, receiving first test data by thecommunication controller from the first test device and one of storingthe first test data by the communication controller and displaying anindication of the first test data in the first GUI.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided adevice comprising a display for displaying a first graphical userinterface (GUI) and a communication controller. The communicationcontroller configured to receive a first user input via the first GUI,the first user input indicating a first start command, in response toreceiving the first user input, provide a first display URL of a firstresource associated with a first test device, send a first startinstruction to the first test device to start a first test, receivefirst test data by the communication controller from the first testdevice, one of store the first test data by the communication controllerand display an indication of the first test data in the first GUI, and abrowser embedded within the communication controller and configured toreceive said first display URL and display a content of the firstresource nested within the first GUI.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided anon-transitory computer readable storage medium with a computer programstored thereon. The computer program is operable to perform the steps ofdisplaying a first graphical user interface (GUI) on a display,receiving by a communication controller a first user input via the firstGUI, the first user input indicating a first start command, in responseto receiving the first user input, providing by the communicationcontroller a first display URL of a first resource associated with afirst test device to a browser, sending a first start instruction to thefirst test device to start a first test, displaying first content of thefirst resource by the browser, the first content nested within the firstGUI, receiving first test data by the communication controller from thefirst test device and one of storing the first test data by thecommunication controller and displaying an indication of the first testdata in the first GUI.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further features and exemplary advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent to the skilled person from the following detaileddescription, taken in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a prior art system for testingcommunication network equipment.

FIG. 2a is a simplified block diagram of a system for communicating andcontrolling a test device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2b is a simplified block diagram of the display of the system ofFIG. 2 a.

FIG. 3a is a simplified block diagram of a system for communicating andcontrolling a plurality of test devices according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3b is a simplified block diagram of the display of the system ofFIG. 3 a.

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of a system having a configurationfile for configuring a plurality of test devices according to anembodiment.

FIG. 5a is a simplified block diagram of an integrated system accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 5b is a simplified block diagram of the display of the system ofFIG. 5 b.

It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like featuresare identified by like reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments disclosed herein provide methods, systems andcomputer programs for at least one of communicating with and controllingone or more test devices. A test device comprises function-specificinstrumentation for at least one of measuring a characteristic ofcommunication network equipment, coupled thereto and testing theperformance of communication network equipment coupled thereto. Although‘test’ is used as a descriptor of devices throughout this application atest device performing a test may refer to performing a test, takingmeasurements, collecting test and measurement data, and processingthereof to produce result data.

A test device comprises at least one test interface for coupling thecommunication network equipment under test thereto. A test device is oneof a plurality of test devices of a same type. Whereas a test devicetype, is one of a plurality of test device types. For example, specificand non-limiting examples of test device types are optical power meters,optical time domain reflectometers (OTDR) and Ethernet testers. In anexemplary embodiment a system comprises a plurality of test devices ofthe same type. In another exemplary embodiment, a system comprises aplurality of test devices of different types.

In an exemplary embodiment a test device comprises a communicationinterface for receiving instructions. Some specific and non-limitingexamples of instructions include start, to start a test, a request fordata, a request for test device status, a request for test status andinstructions comprising configuration information. In an exemplaryembodiment a test device comprises a communication interface fortransmitting information. Some specific and non-limiting examples ofinformation transmitted by the test device include test and measurementdata, result data, test device status and test status.

One or more embodiments disclosed herein comprise a memory wherein amemory is a non-transitory computer-readable medium for storingprocessor-executable instructions and data.

Shown in FIG. 2a is simplified block diagram of a system forcommunicating with test devices according to an embodiment. System 200comprises a first device 202 and a second device 222. First device 202has a processor 204, a memory 206, a display 210 and a user input device212. Second device 222 is communicatively coupled to first device 202via a communication network 224 and comprises server 226 and test device228.

In this example, first device 202 is in the form of a mobile computerdevice, also referred to herein as a mobile device, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop computer or the like, and display 210 is inthe form of a touchscreen having user input device 212 integratedtherein. Although not illustrated in FIG. 2a , second device 222 maycomprise one or more test devices and system 200 may comprise aplurality of second devices 222 communicatively coupled thereto. Memory206 comprises a computer program 214 generating a system GUI 230 andhaving an embedded browser 218, and a communication controller 220.System GUI 230, shown in FIG. 2b , comprises a plurality of GUI elementsfor displaying information to the user and for receiving user inputtherefrom. Some specific and non-limiting examples of GUI elementsinclude text, images, graphics, user input buttons, fields, and forms.Alternatively, display 210 is a non-touch screen and user input device212 is a keypad. In this example, communication network 224 is a WiFinetwork. Alternatively, communication network 224 is another type ofcommunication network. Specific and non-limiting examples ofcommunication network 224 include Bluetooth®, Ethernet, wirelessEthernet, 3G, 4G, serial transmission networks such as RS-232, USB, andFirewire.

The user initiates execution of computer program 214 by processor 204.Upon execution of computer program 214, system GUI 230 is generated anddisplayed on display 210. In an exemplary embodiment a user starts atest by test device 228 via system GUI 230.

The user enters a first user input into system GUI 230 indicating astart command to start a test by test device 228. For example, the userclicks a ‘start’ button associated with test device 228 within systemGUI 230. The first user input is then provided by system GUI 230 tocommunication controller 220.

Upon receiving the first user input, communication controller 220 sendsa start instruction to test device 228 via communication network 224.

Communication controller 220 also sends a request to test device 228 fora display URL specifying a location of a resource associated with testdevice 228. The resource comprises content for display by browser 212which is generated and then stored by server 226. For example, theresource is stored in a memory (not shown) on second device 222. In thisexample, the resource comprises content including a GUI 232 of testdevice 228. Alternatively, the resource does not comprise a GUI. Forexample, the resource comprises content for display only such as avideo, a picture and test related information. Server 226 provides testdevice 228 the display URL. In response to receiving display URL, testdevice transmits the display URL to communication controller 220 viacommunication network 224. Communication controller 220 then providesthe display URL to embedded browser 218.

Communication controller 220 also sends a request to test device 228 fora display URL specifying a location of a resource associated with testdevice 228. The resource comprises content for display by browser 212which is generated and then stored by server 226. For example, theresource is stored in a memory on second device 222. In this example,the resource comprises content including a GUI 232 of test device 228.Alternatively, the resource comprises other than a GUI. For example, theresource comprises content for display only such as a video, a pictureand test related information. Server 226 provides test device 228 thedisplay URL. In response to receiving display URL, test device transmitsthe display URL to communication controller 220 via communicationnetwork 224. Communication controller 220 then provides the display URLto embedded browser 218.

Embedded browser 218 transmits a request to server 226 for content ofthe resource specified by display URL via communication network 224.Server 226 responds to the request from embedded browser 218 andtransmits the content of the resource thereto via communication network224. Embedded browser 218 displays GUI 232 on display 210 and nestedwithin system GUI 230, as shown in FIG. 2b . GUI 232 comprises aplurality of GUI elements for displaying content to the user andreceiving user input therefrom. Some specific and non-limiting examplesof GUI elements include text, images, graphics, user input buttons, textfields, and forms.

Optionally, test device 228 generates a resource comprising contenthaving live test information that is being constantly refreshed, fordisplaying to the user in via system GUI 230. In one embodiment, thecontent comprises a video stream.

Although system GUI 230 and GUI 232 of test device 228 are generatedindependently—system GUI 230 is generated by computer program 214 andGUI 232 is generated by server 226, GUI 232 is nested visually withinsystem GUI 230. This provides the user a single interface for accessingand controlling both system GUI 230 and GUI 232 of test device 228.

It should be understood that communication controller sends a request totest device 228 for a display URL specifying a location of a resourceassociated with test device 228 either prior to or after communicationcontroller 220 sends a start instruction to test device 228.

In another exemplary embodiment, the user starts a test by test device228 via GUI 232. The user initiates execution of computer program 214 byprocessor 204. Upon execution of computer program 214, system GUI 230 isgenerated and displayed on display 210. The user starts a test by testdevice 228 via system GUI 230. The user enters a first user input intosystem GUI 230 indicating a start command. For example, the user clicksa ‘start’ button associated with test device 228 within system GUI 230.The first user input is then provided by system GUI 230 to communicationcontroller 220.

Upon receiving the first user input, communication controller 220 sendsa request to test device 228 for a display URL specifying a location ofa resource associated with test device 228. The resource comprisescontent for display by browser 212 which is generated and then stored byserver 226. For example, the resource is stored in a memory on seconddevice 222. In this example, the resource comprises content including aGUI 232 of test device 228. Server 226 provides test device 228 thedisplay URL. In response to receiving display URL, test device transmitsthe display URL to communication controller 220 via communicationnetwork 224. Communication controller 220 then provides the display URLto embedded browser 218.

Embedded browser 218 transmits a request to server 226 for content ofthe resource specified by display URL via communication network 224.Server 226 responds to the request from embedded browser 218 andtransmits the content thereto via communication network 224. Embeddedbrowser 218 displays GUI 232 on display 210 and nested within system GUI230, as shown in FIG. 2b . GUI 232 comprises a plurality of GUI elementsfor displaying content to the user and receiving user input therefrom.Some specific and non-limiting examples of GUI elements include text,images, graphics, user input buttons, text fields, and forms.

The user enters a second user input in GUI 232 indicating a startcommand to start a test by test device 228. For example, the user clicksa ‘start’ button within system GUI 232. The embedded browser 218 sendsthe second user input to server 226. In response to receiving the seconduser input indicating a start command, server 226 provides a startinstruction to test device 228.

Test device 228 starts a test upon receipt of the start instruction fromserver 226. Upon completion of the test, test device 228 transmits tocommunication controller 220 via communication network 224 testdependent information including one of measurement data, result data,test status data, and other test related information. An example of testrelated information is an indication of the success or failure of thetest. In an exemplary embodiment, communication controller 220 storestest dependent information received from test device 228 in a memory offirst device 202 for future use. An indication of completion of test isprovided to the user in system GUI. For example, a message, ‘TestCompleted’ appears within system GUI 230 on display 210. Optionally,other information related to the test is provided to the user via systemGUI 230.

Although system GUI 230 and GUI 232 of test device 228 are generatedindependently—system GUI 230 is generated by computer program 214 andGUI 232 is generated by server 226, GUI 232 is nested visually withinsystem GUI 230. This provides the user a single interface for accessingboth system GUI 230 and GUI 232 of test device 228.

Now referring to FIG. 3a , shown is a simplified block diagram of asystem according to an embodiment. System 300 comprises first device302, having a processor 304, memory 306, display 310, and user inputdevice 312. System 300 also comprises second device 222, as describedabove, and third device 322 comprising server 326, and test devices 328and 329 wherein each test device is a unique device type. First device302 is communicatively coupled to second device 222 and third device 322via a communication network 324. In this example first device 302 is inthe form of a mobile device and display 310 is in the form of atouchscreen having a user input device 312 integrated therein. Memory306 comprises a computer program 314 having an embedded browser 318, acommunication controller 320 and generates a system GUI 330. Optionally,second device 322 comprises more than two test devices. Optionally,system 300 comprises a plurality of devices each comprising a server andat least one test device. In this example, communication network 324 isa WiFi network. Alternatively, communication network 324 is another typeof communication network. Specific and non-limiting examples ofcommunication network 324 include Bluetooth®, Ethernet, wirelessEthernet, 3G, 4G, serial transmission networks such as RS-232, USB, andFirewire.

System GUI 330, shown in FIG. 3b , comprises a plurality of GUI elementsfor displaying information to the user and for receiving user inputtherefrom. Some specific and non-limiting examples of GUI elementsinclude text, images, graphics, user input buttons, text fields, andforms. Alternatively, display 310 is a non-touch screen and user inputdevice 314 is a keypad. Alternatively, first device 302 is a computer.

Each of test devices 228, 328 and 329 is a different type of test devicesupporting a unique set of communication instructions and optionallyunique configuration parameters. Specific and non-limiting examples ofunique configuration parameters includes a wavelength for test for anoptical power meter and an acceptable bit error rate for a bit errorrate tester.

In this embodiment, communications controller 320 comprises plug-inmodules 350, 351, and 352, each of which communicates with test devices228, 328 and 329 respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, modules 350,351 and 352 are added to system 300 via installation of test devicetype-specific plug-ins that link to computer program 314 duringexecution. Plug-ins expand the functionality of computer programs, forexample, remote sensing applications use plug-ins to process data fromdifferent sensor types, graphics software use plug-ins to support fileformats and process images, and packet sniffers use plug-ins to decodepacket formats. is an example of such packet sniffers.

If a test device-specific plug-in associated with a test device ofsystem 300 is not stored in memory 306, the user can download theplug-in thereto. In future, a new test device of a new test device typecan be added and supported by system 300 provided the user downloads thetest device-specific plug-in associated therewith.

In an exemplary embodiment a user initiates execution of computerprogram 314 by processor 304. Upon execution of computer program 314,system GUI 330 is generated and displayed on display 310. GUI 330provides the user a means to start a test by any of test devices 228,328 or 329. For example, a ‘start’ button associated with each of testdevices 228, 328 and 329 is displayed within GUI 330.

In this embodiment, the user enters a first user input into system GUI330 indicating a start command to start a test by test device 328. Forexample, the user clicks a ‘start’ button associated with test device328 within system GUI 330. The first user input is then provided bysystem GUI 330 to plug-in module 351.

Test device 328 executes a test upon receipt of the start instructionfrom plug-in module 351. Once the test is completed, test device 328transmits to plug-in module 351 via communication network 324 at leastone of measurement data, result data, test status data, for example anindication of the success or failure of the test or other datareflecting the status of the test. In an exemplary embodiment, plug-inmodule 351 stores status information as well as other data received fromtest device 328 in a memory, for example memory 314, for future use. Anindication of completion of test is provided to the user in system GUI330. For example, a message, ‘Test Completed’ appears within system GUI330 on display 310. Optionally, other information related to the test isprovided to the user via system GUI 330.

Plug-in module 351 also sends a request to test device 328 viacommunications network 324 for a display URL specifying a location of aresource of test device 328. The resource comprises content for displayby browser 312 which is generated and stored by test device 328 in alocation retrievable by server 326. For example, the resource is storedin a memory (not shown) included in second device 322. In thisembodiment, the resource comprises content including GUI 332 of testdevice 328. Test device 328 transmits display URL to plug-in module 351via communication network 324. Once received, plug-in module 351provides the display URL to embedded browser 318.

Embedded browser 318 transmits a request to server 326 for content ofthe resource specified by display URL via communication network 324.Server 326 responds to the request from embedded browser 318 andtransmits the content thereto via communication network 324. Embeddedbrowser 318 displays GUI 332 on display 310 and nested within system GUI330, as shown in FIG. 3b . GUI 332 comprises a plurality of GUI elementsfor displaying content to the user and receiving user input therefrom.Some specific and non-limiting examples of GUI elements include text,images, graphics, user input buttons, text fields, and forms.

Although system GUI 330 and GUI 332 of test device 328 are generatedindependently—system GUI 330 is generated by computer program 314 andGUI 232 is generated by server 326, GUI 332 is nested visually withinsystem GUI 330. This provides the user a single interface for accessingboth system GUI 330 and GUI 332 of test device 328. System 300 providesa user a single interface to access and control of a plurality of testdevices.

In an exemplary embodiment, the content of only one resource associatedwith one test device is displayed within a system GUI. For example,system GUI 330 has a portion reserved for displaying the content of oneof the resources associated with test devices 228, 328 and 339. SystemGUI 330 has nested therein only one of GUI 232, GUI 332 and window 333at a time.

As server-browser communication is platform independent, an operatingsystem of a first device and a test device need not be the same forinteroperability. For example, mobile device may run on iOS® and thetest device runs on Windows® or vice versa.

The user initiates execution of computer program 314 by processor 304.Upon execution of computer program 314, system GUI 330 is generated anddisplayed on display 310. In an exemplary embodiment a user starts atest by test device 328 via GUI 332. The user enters a first user inputinto system GUI 330 indicating a start command to start a test by testdevice 328. For example, the user clicks a ‘start’ button associatedwith test device 328 within system GUI 330. The first user input is thenprovided by system GUI 330 to communication controller 320.

Upon receiving the first user input, communication controller 220 sendsa request to test device 328 for a display URL specifying a location ofa resource associated with test device 228. The resource comprisescontent for display by browser 312 which is generated and then stored byserver 326. For example, the resource is stored in a memory (not shown)on second device 322. In this example, the resource comprises contentincluding a GUI 332 of test device 328. Server 326 provides test device328 the display URL. In response to receiving display URL, test device328 transmits the display URL to communication controller 320 viacommunication network 324. Communication controller 320 then providesthe display URL to embedded browser 318.

Embedded browser 318 transmits a request to server 326 for content ofthe resource specified by display URL via communication network 324.Server 326 responds to the request from embedded browser 318 andtransmits the content thereto via communication network 324. Embeddedbrowser 318 displays GUI 332 on display 310 and nested within system GUI330, as shown in FIG. 3b . GUI 332 comprises a plurality of GUI elementsfor displaying content to the user and receiving user input therefrom.Some specific and non-limiting examples of GUI elements include text,images, graphics, user input buttons, text fields, and forms.

The user enters a second user input in GUI 332 indicating a startcommand to start a test by test device 328. For example, the user clicksa ‘start’ button within system GUI 332. The embedded browser 318 sendsthe second user input to server 326. In response to receiving the seconduser input indicating a start command, server 326 provides a startinstruction to test device 328.

Test device 328 starts a test upon receipt of the start instruction fromserver 326. Upon completion of the test, test device 328 transmits tocommunication controller 320 via communication network 324 testdependent information including one of measurement data, result data,test status data, and other test related information. An example of testrelated information is an indication of the success or failure of thetest. In an exemplary embodiment, communication controller 320 storestest dependent information received from test device 328 in a memory offirst device 302 for future use. An indication of completion of test isprovided to the user in system GUI. For example, a message, ‘TestCompleted’ appears within system GUI 330 on display 310. Optionally,other information related to the test is provided to the user via systemGUI 330.

The user may also start a test by test device 228 in the same manner.For example, the system GUI 330 includes a ‘start’ button associatedwith each of test device 228 and 329 respectively. In this case, plug-inmodule 350 communicates with test device 228 and browser 312communicates with server 226.

The user may also start a test by test device 329 in the same manner. Inthis case, plug-in module 352 communicates with test device 329 andbrowser 318 communicates with server 326.

Still referring to FIG. 3a , in another exemplary embodiment, a resourceis not generated by server 326 when a test is started on test device329. The user enters a first user input into system GUI 330 indicating astart command for starting a test by test device 329, For example, theuser clicks a ‘start’ button associated with test device 329 withinsystem GUI 330. The first user input is then provided by system GUI 330to plug-in module 352.

Upon receiving the second user input, plug-in 351 sends a startinstruction to the test device 329 via communication network 324. Testdevice 329 executes a test upon receipt of the start instruction fromplug-in module 351. Once the test is completed, test device 329transmits to plug-in module 352 via communication network 324 at leastone of measurement data, result data, test status data, for example anindication of the success or failure of the test or other datareflecting the status of the test. In an exemplary embodiment, plug-inmodule 352 stores status information and other data received from testdevice 329 in memory for future use. An indication of completion of testis provided to the user in system GUI 330. For example, a message, ‘TestCompleted’ appears within system GUI 330 on display 310. Optionally,other information related to the test is provided to the user via systemGUI 330.

Plug-in 351 does not send a request for a display URL to test device329. Plug-in 351 provides a display URL to embedded browser 318, thedisplay URL specifying a resource that is local to device 302. Forexample, the URL comprises a pathname to a file stored in a memory ofdevice 302. Browser 318 displays the content of the file in a window 333within GUI 330. Specific and non-limiting examples of content displayedto the user are text ‘Please follow instructions displayed on testdevice,’ ‘Please perform manual operations on unit’ and ‘No GUIAvailable.’

Shown in FIG. 4 is simplified block diagram of a system according to anembodiment. System 400 comprises a first device 402 communicativelycoupled test device 428 and test device 451 via communication network424. System 400 also comprises a configuration file 460 stored in memory406 comprising a list of test devices for use by the user and associatedconfiguration information required thereby.

For example, a user or a higher-level manager or management systemcreates configuration file 460 prior to use of system 400. The userlaunches computer program 406, a system GUI is displayed on display 410.Configuration file 460 is processed by computer program 406 whereby thelist of test devices and associated configuration data is extracted. Thetest devices listed in the configuration file are indicated in thesystem GUI. For example, a button for starting a test by each testdevice is displayed therein. When a user starts a test on a test deviceconfiguration information for each test device is transmitted thereto bycommunication controller 420 via communication network 424.

Shown in FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of a system 500 accordingto another embodiment. System 500 comprises a device 502 havingintegrated therein a processor 504, memory 506, display 510, user inputdevice 512, server 556 and test device 528. Memory 506 comprises acomputer program 514 having an embedded browser 518 and a communicationcontroller 520. It should be understood that the system 500 is similarto system 200 of FIG. 2 apart from the fact that, in system 500, firstdevice 202 and second device 222 are merged together and share a sameprocessing unit 504, so that the server 556 is actually located indevice 502. In this case, no communication network is required forcommunication between a first device and a second device since they areintegrated with one another. Apart from those differences, the system500 is very similar to system 200 of FIG. 2 and similar features and itsoperation will not be repeatedly described. Computer program 514generates a system GUI upon execution thereof by processor 504.Alternatively, test device 528 is not integrated in device 502 and iscommunicatively coupled to device 502 via a communication network orcommunication bus.

The embodiments described above are intended to be exemplary only. Thescope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for a first device comprising a display,a communication controller comprising a test device-specific plug-in anda browser embedded within the communication controller to control andcommunicate with a test device, the test device being comprised in asecond device comprising the test device and a server, the methodcomprising: displaying a first graphical user interface (GUI) on thedisplay of the first device, the first GUI comprising the communicationcontroller and the embedded browser; receiving by the communicationcontroller plug-in, a first user input via the first GUI of the firstdevice, the first user input indicating a first start command; inresponse to receiving the first user input, the communication controllerplug-in of the first device sending a request to the test device of thesecond device for a URL specifying a location of a resource associatedwith the test device, wherein the resource comprises a test device GUI;the communication controller plug-in of the first device receiving theURL from the test device of the second device; the plug-in providing theURL to the browser; using the URL, the browser retrieving from theserver of the second device, the resource comprising the test deviceGUI; the browser displaying the test device GUI on the display of thefirst device, the test device GUI nested within the first GUI, whereinthe test device GUI has GUI elements for receiving user input to controlfunction-specific instrumentation of the test device for executing atleast one of measuring a characteristic and testing a performance ofcommunication network equipment coupled to the test device, and whereincontrolling comprises configuring the function-specific instrumentationand launching execution on the function-specific instrumentation fromthe test device GUI of the first device; receiving, in the test deviceGUI displayed on the display of the first device, a second user inputindicating a second start command to start a first test by the testdevice; in response to receiving the second user input, sending a firststart instruction to the test device to start the first test; theplug-in receiving from the test device, first test data produced by thetest device; and one of storing the first test data by the plug-in anddisplaying an indication of the first test data in the first GUI;whereby the function-specific instrumentation of the test device iscontrolled via the test device GUI displayed on the first device; andwherein said first device is configured to control and communicate witha plurality of said test devices, and comprises a plurality of saidplug-in configured for function-specific instrumentations of thecorresponding test devices, said test devices having mutually-differentfunction-specific instrumentations.
 2. The method according to claim 1,further comprising: generating the test device GUI by the server; andtransmitting the test device GUI by the server to the browser.
 3. Themethod according to claim 2 wherein sending the first start instructionto the test device comprises: sending the second user input to theserver by the browser; and in response to receiving the second userinput indicating the second start command, sending the first startinstruction by the server to the test device.
 4. The method according toclaim 1 wherein sending the first start instruction to the test devicecomprises the plug-in sending the first start instruction to the testdevice.
 5. The method according to claim 4 wherein the first URL of theresource is a relative URL.
 6. The method according to claim 4, furthercomprising: in response to receiving the first start instruction tostart the first test, executing the first test by the test device. 7.The method according to claim 6, further comprising: the plug-inreceiving a third user input via the test device GUI, the third userinput indicating a third start command; in response to receiving thethird user input, the plug-in providing a second URL of a secondresource associated with a second test device to the browser, the secondresource comprising a second test device GUI having GUI elements forreceiving user input; sending a second start instruction to the secondtest device to start a second test; displaying second test device GUI bythe browser, nested within the first GUI; the plug-in receiving secondtest data from the second test device; and one of storing the secondtest data by the plug-in and displaying an indication of the second testdata in the first GUI.
 8. The method according to claim 7, furthercomprising: the plug-in sending a request for the second URL to thesecond test device; the plug-in receiving the second URL from the secondtest device; generating the second test device GUI by the server; andtransmitting the second test device GUI by the server to the browser. 9.The method according to claim 7 wherein sending the second startinstruction to the second test device comprises the plug-in sending thesecond start instruction to the second test device.
 10. The methodaccording to claim 7, further comprising: the plug-in sending a requestfor the second URL to the second test device; the plug-in receiving thesecond URL from the second test device; generating the second testdevice GUI by a second server; and transmitting the second test deviceGUI by the second server to the browser.
 11. The method according toclaim 1, further comprising retrieving data from a data file andtransmitting configuration data to the test device.
 12. A first deviceto control and communicate with a test device, the test device beingcomprised in a second device comprising the test device and a server,the first device comprising: a display comprising a display screen fordisplaying a first graphical user interface (GUI), the first GUIcomprising an embedded browser and a communication controller comprisinga test device-specific plug-in; and a processor executing the browserand the communication controller, the plug-in being configured to:receive a first user input via the first GUI, the first user inputindicating a first start command, in response to receiving the firstuser input, send a request for a URL to the test device of the seconddevice, the URL specifying a location of a resource associated with thetest device, wherein the resource comprises a test device GUI; receivingthe URL from the test device of the second device; provide the URL tothe browser, receive, in the test device GUI displayed on the display ofthe first device, a second user input indicating a second start commandto start a first test by the test device; in response to receiving thesecond user input, send a first start instruction to the test device tostart the first test; receive from the test device, first test dataproduced by the test device, one of store the first test data by thecommunication controller and display an indication of the first testdata in the first GUI; and the browser being configured to: receive saidURL; and display the test device GUI nested within the first GUI on thedisplay of the first device, wherein the test device GUI has GUIelements for receiving user input to control function-specificinstrumentation of the test device for executing at least one ofmeasuring a characteristic and testing a performance of communicationnetwork equipment coupled to the test device, wherein controllingcomprises configuring the function-specific instrumentation andlaunching execution on the function-specific instrumentation from thetest device GUI of the first device; whereby the function-specificinstrumentation of the test device is controlled via the test device GUIdisplayed on the first device; and wherein said first device isconfigured to control and communicate with a plurality of said testdevices, and comprises a plurality of said plug-in configured forfunction-specific instrumentations of the corresponding test devices,said test devices having mutually-different function-specificinstrumentations.
 13. A non-transitory computer readable storage mediumwith a computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer programcomprises a browser and at least one communication controller plug-inresiding on a first device, to control and communicate with a testdevice, the test device being comprised in a second device comprisingthe test device and a server, computer program being operable to performthe steps of: displaying a first graphical user interface (GUI) on adisplay of the first device, the first GUI comprising the communicationcontroller and the embedded browser; receiving by the communicationcontroller plug-in, a first user input via the first GUI of the firstdevice, the first user input indicating a first start command; inresponse to receiving the first user input, sending, by thecommunication controller plug-in in the first device, a request to thetest device of the second device for a URL specifying a location of aresource associated with the test device wherein the resource comprisesa test device GUI; receiving, by the communication controller plug-in inthe first device, the URL from the test device of the second device; theplug-in providing the URL to the browser; using the URL, the browserretrieving the resource comprising the test device GUI from the serverof the second device; displaying the test device GUI by the browser, thetest device GUI nested within the first GUI, wherein the test device GUIhas GUI elements for receiving user input to control function-specificinstrumentation of the test device for executing at least one ofmeasuring a characteristic and testing a performance of communicationnetwork equipment coupled to the test device, wherein controllingcomprises configuring the function-specific instrumentation andlaunching execution on the function-specific instrumentation from thetest device GUI of the first device; receiving, in the test device GUIdisplayed on the display of the first device, a second user inputindicating a second start command to start a first test by the testdevice; in response to receiving the second user input, sending a firststart instruction to the test device to start the first test; receivingvia the plug-in from the test device, first test data produced by thetest device; and one of storing the first test data by the plug-in anddisplaying an indication of the test data in the first GUI; whereby thefunction-specific instrumentation of the test device is controlled viathe test device GUI displayed on the first device.